Walt Disney World's youngest theme park is growing up.
Now 16 years old, Animal Kingdom no longer has a curfew.
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The new operating schedule for the park, dubbed "Magic of Nature After Dark," will feature new entertainment, as well as new hours.
With towering fountains and displays of color, the planned nighttime water show, "Rivers of Light," needs more time to become brighter. No new opening date has been set.
"It will be (open) sometime later this year," said Emily O'Brien, with Walt Disney Imagineering. "We're working hard to bring it to life in a new and exciting way."
A sneak peek on Tuesday night of the new evening show at Disney's Animal Kingdom gave a look at what's to come at a later date.
To fill the spot this summer, though, Disney is turning to a new star.
"'The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic' is filled with magic and special effects," said Michael Young, the show's director.
Roaring to the top of the box office with $103 million in its first weekend, The Jungle Book will leap from the silver screen to the park's Discovery River.
Starting Memorial Day weekend, the outdoor amphitheater that will eventually play host to Rivers of Light will first open with "The Jungle Book"-inspired show using music from the film currently in theaters.
Special effects will be included in the show, too.
Since opening in 1998, Animal Kingdom traditionally was only open during daylight hours when animals were awake. As the sun set, visitors departed.
Other new offerings that embrace the night include a new after-dark version of the Kilimanjaro Safari ride.
The course at night is dark. In a video provided by Disney, you can see some of the nocturnal animals like wildebeests and African Wild Dogs.
Animation using the Tree of Life as a canvass is also new at night.
The new offerings are expected to open this summer.
Below is more information provided by Walt Disney World on some of the new entertainment coming to Animal Kingdom:
Harambe Wildlife Parti
When the sun sets, the popular Village of Harambe will become a hot spot with the new Harambe Wildlife Parti.
Here, "party animals" can dance alongside a variety of entertainers and local street musicians and enjoy the lively rhythms of African music. Guests can also partake in exotic foods and libations, as well as explore the diverse wares of village artisans and merchants in the vibrant marketplace.
Below is more information provided by Walt Disney World on some of the new entertainment coming to Animal Kingdom:
Discovery Island Carnivale
The spirited community of Discovery Island has come together to celebrate their love of the natural world with the Discovery Island Carnivale. This nightly experience will captivate guests with lively music, jubilant dance, vibrant costumes, stilt walkers and tasty culinary creations — winding from one end of the island to the other.
Tiffins signature restaurant
In addition to the diverse new entertainment offerings, guests will enjoy Animal Kingdom's new signature eatery, Tiffins. Open for both lunch and dinner, this new signature dining experience will celebrate the art of traveling and will include waterfront views from both indoor and outdoor seating areas. "Tiffin" is an Indian English word meaning midday meal or type of container used to carry food while traveling.
New adventures with favorite attractions
Most attractions remain open at nightfall, and will shine like never before. At sundown, Kali River Rapids will reveal mysterious twists and turns throughout the rainforest with dramatic and drenching fun. Expedition Everest thrills adventurers as it lurches forward and backward through the icy peaks of the Himalayas. At night, the majestic mountain challenges trekkers to an evening ride revealing breathtaking views of the Animal Kingdom canopied by starlight. Amidst the colorful midway games at Chester & Hester's Dino-Rama in DinoLand USA, the thrills turn up aboard the zany Triceratop Spin or Primeval Whirl under the lights.
A new after-dark version of the Kilimanjaro Safari ride will be available as part of Animal Kingdom's new hours. (Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World)